A SIG is a Special Interest Group. It represents a place or forum where people with similar interests can gather together to exchange ideas or just discuss technologies.
SIGs closely link its members and Encompass programs. SIGs are the primary audience for many of the programs and the SIGs in turn will actually drive many of the programs.
Encompass is an independent association, consisting of a dynamic community of IT professionals with a vested interest in enterprise computing; specifically the products, services, and technologies of HP. Encompass SIGs focus on specific areas within the HP product suite to allow more specialized focus in particular areas. SIGs offer a means whereby you can easily find the programs that interest you, a forum where you can network with other members with similar interests, and a place where you can learn more about a particular aspect an HP product, service or technology.
SIG members are Encompass voting members who have an interest in the technology focus of a particular SIG. You don't have to be an expert in the SIG area of focus, just have an interest. SIG members want to learn more about the specialty focus, exchange ideas with others who are facing similar technical and business issues, and take part in special programs offered by or for the SIGs, including providing product feedback to HP and perhaps even other vendors.
Members of these SIGs are able to:
- Provide a technical lead in forming the development of their special focus
- Work cooperatively with HP about future product direction
- Give input into a forum for advocacy
- Maintain a mailing list of fellow SIG members that can be used for free discussion of issues
- Provide periodic surveys of members and publish results
- Provide a Web page devoted to providing current product information, updates, links to related sites, action items - minutes of the Leadership calls, an electronic newsletter, etc.
- Provide support to the Encompass in the direction of desired presentations and tracks for its educational programs and seminars
- Provide liaison to appropriate sister organizations
- Provide an open forum for discussion at Encompass events
- Provide a yearly business meeting at the HP Technology Forum for the SIG membership to determine the ongoing direction of their SIG
There are a number of ways you can participate in one or more SIGs that interest you. The first place to start is by joining a mailing list. Your SIG experience is just a click away.